Speaking at the commission meeting opened by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, Koçyiğit stated that the Kurdish issue is not only a matter of identity but also a fundamental issue in terms of democracy, the rule of law, and social peace, stressing that it cannot be solved through security-focused policies.
She said, “As the DEM Party, we see contributing to the work of the commission with the responsibility of building a democratic future based on pluralism and equal citizenship as a fundamental duty.”
Devolution and collective rights
The DEM Party representative underlined that democratic participation must include not only individual rights but also collective rights, and that strengthening local governance in decision-making processes is essential. She stated that the practice of appointing trustees (kayyım) ignores the will of the people and restricts the democratic rights of all citizens.
“We would like to express our belief that this commission will also work with a perspective that strengthens the language of peace and the grounds of democratic politics. In this context, democratic participation should include not only individual but also collective rights and possibilities for political representation. Participation must not be limited to elections; it should also include equal access to decision-making, decentralization, strengthening local governance, and respect for the people’s will,” she said.
Right to mother tongue and cultural pluralism
Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit emphasized that education in the mother tongue is not just a pedagogical but an existential right, and that securing this right would strengthen cultural pluralism. She stated, “The right to mother tongue is not only pedagogical but also existential. Education in the mother tongue, access to public services, opportunities for cultural production—these are the foundation for the Kurdish people to live as equal citizens. Securing these rights is vital for transitioning to a legal order based on cultural pluralism.”
Democratic politics must be the ground for solution
Referring to the fact that Leader Apo pointed to democratic politics as the path to resolution, Koçyiğit said that lasting peace can only be achieved through a legitimate and inclusive political foundation.
She concluded, “As Mr. Öcalan said, these lands will become a country where people see democracy not only as a right but also as a duty.”
Source: ANF News
